Day 5 and still pretty hungry on HCG

[randysherry]

I have read that the majority of those on HCG have little or no hunger at all.  How long does it take for this to happen?  There are 3 of us here doing it, and 2 of us are dealing with hunger more than the third.  We started at 150 iu and just increased it to 175 iu.  Shouldn't this be substancial?  Also, out of the two of us who are struggling with the hunger (35 year old male, and 25 year old female), one of us should probably drink more, but the other one of us is drinking 1/2 - over 1 gallon of water per day.  Also, the teas don't seem to help either.  Please tell me if you know why this could be happening.  We did the ketones urine test, and we are from moderate to large.   Are we going to struggle like this through the whole protocol?

[kylenurse]

you are going to lose weight, now don't give in and waste the whole period.  because it takes 3-6 days to get back on track;  concentrate on foods that fill you up, that are in the diet.  i was on 175, and had hunger; it depends upon how you load at first; the more fat the less hunger;  this time i have no hunger pains.

[jbbaby]

I commented to another person earlier about taking the cravings and hunger away with a survival capsule.  It gives you essential vitamins and minerals your body needs, so it greatly reduces the hunger and cravings. I went 5 days with only this and water.  I felt a bit hungry a few times, but nothing a couple of swigs of water didn't fix. If you want more info. let me know.  I found that most of the hunger I thought I was feeling was actually not so much hunger but my habits.   I think for any weight loss or control to have long term effect, habits need to be adjusted.   Also drink plenty of water (3qts to 1gal./day).  This helps flush your system so burned fat is eliminated instead of reabsorbed.

[randysherry]

We are now on the 8th day of the protocol.  Originally I thought maybe we didn't load heavy enough, and that still may be a factor.  But today I increased my dosage to 200 iu and now had a pretty good day with very minimal hunger feelings.  Thanks for the encouragement.

[got_nd]

It might not be the dosage of hcg that is the factor either. (Every one I know, including myself was on 150 IU) Allthough, if that helped to raise it, it is better to not be hungry.
There are a few things I can think of.
IF you did not load enough, you could get hungry.(Trouble is, I don't really know what is ENOUGH)
If you are not drinking enough water. (Half of your body weight in pounds, drink that much water in ounces. I weigh 135, I need to drink 68 ounces daily)
IF you are not getting enough protein in your diet.
I guess I would like to know what exactly you are eating. Could you post a sample day? If you are in moderate to large on the ketone strip, maybe you could add in some more fruit?
When I have been hungry on the diet, I used a protein shake called UltraLean made by BioGenesis. It gave me lots of nutrients and helped to balance my blood sugars throughout the day because of the phaseolomin (sp?) which is an extract from white kidney bean. It does add extra calories, but my doc said to ignore the ones in the shake and I could have up to 4 scoops which I spread out through the day. I also added a tablespoon of MCT oil into it, which also helped somehow(it helps you to get into and stay in ketosis) Even with the extra calories from the shake, I was losing a pound a day without hunger.
Good luck!

[got_nd]

IF you want to try that protein shake, it is only sold to physicians. If you look up my screen name without the underscore and add *******, you can get it from that doctor. Also the mct oil.
But if you are doing the 200 and it is working, stick with it!

[randysherry]

Well, hunger is finally not much of an issue.  In the first 5 days, I was eating 100 g of beef for lunch with 100 g of chicken for dinner.  For the veggies, it varied from celery, tomato, and spinach.  Lately, I have also included onion and lettuce.  For the fruit, the apple just made me hungrier about an hour later.  Grapefruit before bed seemed to be the best, and I also have strawberries.  My ketones dropped yesturday, but are back up this afternoon.  I think it was because my roommate inticed me to split half of her onions for half of my tomato.  I also had an orange last night that was super sweet.  She too dropped when checking her ketone test.  We decided to be more strict today.  Also, today is her first day feeling more satisfied.  Niether one of us have that much weight to loose, but hopefully it goes well (She wants to loose 10 - 12 lbs., and I am looking to loose 15-20 lbs.).  My wife on the other hand is looking to loose 70-75 lbs., and she is doing the best of all of us (on the hunger side).  Is it possible that this is because she has more to work with?  I'm glad for her, since her road is much longer than ours.

Just thought I would post our progress:

My start weight: 176 My current weight: 168lbs
My wife's start weight:  200 Her current weight: 196
Our Rommate's start:  124 Her current weight:  122

Once again, hunger is not as much of an issue today.  On a scale of 1-10, we are probably at the most a 2.

[regina77449]

I'm not really hungry - it's the fact that I know I haven't pick up something crunchy and put it in my mouth.   My doctor ask me if I felt like I needed additional support as in appetite suppression pill.   At the time I didn't think I did.  When I return next week I might ask for help.  I really don't trust myself. Right now I'm not desiring food but I know I could eat just because of habit.

[despnphx]

I started hcg 6 days ago and experiencing lots of side effects.  Huge headaches since day one and increasingly tired each day.  I thot it was supposed to be the opposite.  This stuff has thrown me into a tail spin but I have lost 6 pounds. I don't want to quit.  I was hoping anyone might have suggestions or had this happen to them?   Willl it pass??????

[bioclock1]

I'm doing the hcg diet again (3rd try, 1st to I wasn't in the right frame of mind). So far so good, but it's torture noticing that men lose it faster than women. My coworker started a week after me so has been on it 2 weeks, me 3 and he's lost 20 lbs, i've lost 13. :( It's frustrating but at the same time I Know I couldn't lose weight any other way. TO touch base on the hunger thing, I might suggest using a fruit other than the apple b/c apples have the most carbs of any of the fruit we can have, so that can trigger hunger. Also, for anyone like me who is hypoglycemic (low blood sugar), an apple can actually make the hunger worse and lower blood sugar (they often go hand in hand). This morning I am surprisingly starving and I believe it's because I didn't get enough protein yesterday b/c usually I am not so hungry.
Keep up with it b/c i promise, this diet is the best although psychologically difficult!!
I started at 160.8 lbs, down to 147.5 lbs since 3/1/09. Not a huge amount, but better than nothing!!

[randysherry]

I have had some headaches as well, but they come and go.  The ones on the beginning were worse than what I get now.  As far as being tired, most people do experience this, but usually in the beginning.  Now, I do have tired spells, but I also have periods where I feel perfectly fine.  I hope that you are still hanging in there; the benifits certianly outway the difficulties.

[randysherry]

We just wanted to update everyone on how we are doing.  We are now at Day 35 of the injections, and for the most part, hunger is not a problem.  On day 5 I posted this question, and since then I found something that really helps with that.  I also believe I was dealing with dips in blood sugar, which wasn't pleasant.  After about 2 weeks, I was researching and came accross a supplement called L-Glutamine, which is a kind of amino acid.  This stuff is incredible!  Even though it doesn't say it on the bottle, when you take it between meals, it is used in the brain in a simuliar way as glucose.  When the brain senses that blood sugar is low, it responds by making you feel hungry.  Once I started taking L-Glutamine 1-3 times daily, I felt more full, and could function better mentally.  I suggest this to any of you who are on, or anticipating on going on this diet.  L-Glutamine is also good for the amune system, and muscles.  You can find it at your local health food store, or online.  I found some great deals at www.doctorstrust.com.  Order early as it takes a week to get your stuff.

Quickly our results are:  I've lost 23.3 lbs., my wife has lost 16.5 lbs., and our female roommate has lost about 10-12 lbs. which puts her to a size 4.  All of us are very happy with the results.  It won't be long before we start Phase 3.

[jewelzmok]

Omgosh! Thanks so much for posting your progress! I'm currently on day 5 of my diet and was starting to get a little discouraged because I've been feeling really hungry. I'm going to pick up some L-Glucosomine and hopefully my hunger will improve. So far I've lost 11lbs already.

[randysherry]

Be careful to get the right stuff.  It's L-Glutamine, not glucosamine.  Glucosamine is for joint health.  Let us know if it helps you.

[jewelzmok]

I bought the L-Glutamine yesterday. Thanks for the recommend, randysherry! Today is my second day taking them, hopefully my hunger pangs will improve =) They usually kick in at night. The past two days I've felt very fatigued and my body felt weak. Has anyone felt like that? Currently I'm on day 9 of the diet and lost almost 14 lbs.

[greeneyedgirl76]

Does anyone know if you can do a small part of the hcg diet while pregnant and still maintain your health?  Obviously 500 cals a day is NOT going to be good for fetal development, but a way to eat somewhat like this and lose fat on your body without hurting the baby?  Just a thought.  Hopefully I don't sound psycho, but I seem to pack on the fat when I'm pregnant and am wondering if I can utilize my own hcg to help.

[randysherry]

We have learned a lot since I posted this question about being extremely hungry when starting HCG.  When experiencing this, I thought the HCG wasn't working, but in fact it was.  The true reason for the hunger pains were because I was full of fungus and yeast which in fact many people are without realizing it.  Mold and fungus when in the body are able to manipulate you into thinking it is you who needs sugar and carbs which is there food for survival.  When their food becomes scarce, they produce chemicals which cause you to crave these junk foods.  It can even get to the point of very strong hunger pains.  If you stick it out and hold in there, it will die off and relief will come.  Here are some suggestions to help you cope in the mean time:

At the beginning of the HCG diet, or as soon as you become aware of this, start taking Seagate's Olive Leaf Extract which is a powerful natural anti-fungus, anti-viral anti-bacterial.  This and the HCG diet together will kill yeast and fungus off.  It also helps keep you from getting sick.  Goto www.seagate.com to order (no I'm not a rep).

Second purchase some L-Glutamine amino acids.  As I mentioned earlier this will help you cope with the low carbs.

Also at seagate, purchase some napol cactus capsoles.  Napol cactus absorbs water (and sugar) which helps create a more full feeling.  It then goes through the digestive tract and acts as a cleaning agent.  I just started using this, and it really makes it hard to over eat.

Lastly, check out the following website:  www.knowthecause.com and watch the tv shows on there.  Doug Kaufmann is very knowledgeable in this fungus link to so many diseases including being overweight.  He does not talk about HCG, but his concept makes perfect sence after doing the HCG diet.  After HCG Doug's diet will help you keep the weight off, and keep you disease free.

If not during the HCG diet, then consider right afterwards getting some Beta Glucans which is a amune system booster.  Be careful not to buy just anything out there as some Beta Glucans do not work.  Buy it from www.nsc24.com for the best on the market.

Hope this helps all who read it!

[tessatrue]

Thanks for the advice randysherry.  I am going to try all that you have suggested.  I am on day 4 and I feel very grouchy and have headaches and feel hungry too.  I am going to increase the HCG amount and see if that works too.  :)

[newdieter]

where can i find seagate olive leaf extract and L glutamine?
I am wondering if you can get them from any specific store, I don't want to bother buying online. Anywhere else besides vitamin stores?
I live in seattle,wa.thanks

[randysherry]

Most of the supplements mentioned can be found at www.mynaturalmarket.com.  Also look at your local health food or supplement store.

[lb7897]

Hi,
I am new to all this. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate all your info in your May 18 post! I have a couple of friends who have done this and they have been so successful (one is in the midst now and the other did it over a year ago and has maintained a normal weight for the first time in her life, was once a life-long fatty). But they haven't said anything about taking the supplements you mentioned, so I'm very happy for your insight there. Also, I have been scouring the internet for all info related to hcg and yours is the only that addresses the supplements targeting these specific issues--again, thanks!

However, I still have some questions for you RS:

Are you at your goal yet?
Have you been able to maintain if so?
Have you had issues of plateaus while losing?

I am so excited to get started (can't till I order it, payday--the 15th). I am going to order it from Greece, where my friend who is finished with the plan now got hers. She didn't have to have an rx and did quite well, wasn't ripped off or scammed or anything, so I feel pretty secure going there.

I saw in one of your earlier posts that you and your roommate really didn't have that much to lose, or not as much as your wife, so how did she fare overall? I have bunches to lose, I'm aware that it will take some time, but I was just wondering. And how do you all feel overall at this point? Successful, satiated, healthy?

I appreciate all your info!
Leslie

[randysherry]

Hi Leslie,

Let me share with you how all of us are doing since we first started HCG 13 months ago.

Our room mate was a 25 year old female, (5'3") and she weighed around 125 lbs.  She lost about 10 lbs., but gained it all back after doing two mission trips (not the best selection of food on the trips).  However, she still has pretty good results going on.  Though she gained her 10 lbs. back, it came back more evenly spread than before.  HCG took care of some areas like cellulite on her legs that is still gone to this day.  She believes that 115 may have been her absolute bottom weight, and most people will gain back 5-10 lbs. above their bottom weight unless you want to maintain a very strict diet.  You will see this in my results as well.

I am a male (6'1") and was 35 at the time.  I weighed 186 at the beginning of HCG.  After 2 rounds I came in at 144 in mid July of last year.  I managed to stay around 144 - 147 well into October.  This was done while being very strict.  After the Holidays, however, I gained my 10 lbs. back (no big deal) and now range from 152 -156.  Still pretty skinny for a tall guy.  Even though, I still have a small pudge in the stomach that I don't like.  Probably some good old fashion exercise would fix that.  This is the 2nd time in my adult life that I've been at this weight.  Before HCG I ranged around 165, until I moved from the country to the city (which I seem to be less active in the city).  That was 5 years ago.  Since then, I inched upward and went up to 186.  This is the most I've ever weighed, and it was getting uncomfortable to bend over my stomach.

My wife (5'4") was 31 and weighed 204 when starting HCG.  By the summer of 2009 she managed to get down to 172.  Last fall she did a 3rd round and still hung out in the 170s.  After the 3rd round and through the holidays, she went back up to the mid 190s.  Now half way through her 4th round she is hovering around 189.  We are not sure why in her 3rd round she didn’t loose anything, and why she went back up.  We are looking for answers.

We have a couple of friends who are new to the diet, and they seem to be doing pretty good on their first round.  So we know it works.  We are not quite sure why she is struggling.

[zabadan]

Hi all,

My 4th day and doing ok so far.  I have to say THANK YOU for reccomending L-Glutamine. I litterary read your post earlier today while at work and got a bottle of L-Glutamine right after.  I took the pill as soon as i got into the car with the groceries and WUALA!  The hunger was gone with in minutes.... I am going to continue taking it tomorrow and am hoping for same results :)

[cynasta]

I am going to try your suggestion as well. My friends and I just started this diet and we feel like we are going to die! We are so hungry and my friend is counting down the days to get off of it already and we are only 4 days in. The hunger is strong, lightheaded and dizzy as well. I really hope it gets better then this as we all want to succeed on it.

[softballmom11]

I am hungry too but I am trying to stick to the plan. I am on Day 10 and lost 5 lbs the first 5 days and then nothing. Every morning I wake up and think I will see the scale drop a little more but no such luck. Five straight days of the same weight. What is going on?? I even upped my drops to 12 from 10.
If anyone can give me some advice/encouragement I would appreciate it bc hot buttered popcorn and cake frosting are lookin' pretty good right now!!